180 articles tagged with spring travel
Standing on the ancient stone bridge spanning the Tagus River, I felt like I'd stepped into an architectural time machine. Toledo isn't just Spain's former capital—it's a perfectly preserved medieval ecosystem where Islamic, Jewish, and Christian design principles coexist in...
As both a pediatrician and adventure enthusiast, I've always found that pushing physical boundaries in new environments provides a unique window into understanding different cultures. My recent spring expedition to Durban, South Africa's vibrant coastal city, offered precisely this blend...
There's something about DC that reminds me of a perfectly composed symphony – majestic movements of marble monuments, playful interludes of cherry blossoms, and the steady rhythm of history pulsing through every street. As someone who's bounced between continents chasing...
Standing at the edge of Izmir's azure coastline last spring, I couldn't help but feel like I was perched at the crossroads of human civilization. This western Turkish city—once known as Smyrna—has witnessed the ebb and flow of empires for...
The ferry cuts through the Gulf of Izmir like a knife through baklava, revealing Turkey's third-largest city spread across the hillsides in a sweeping panorama. After three decades of analyzing municipal budgets in Riverside, I've spent my retirement years charting...
When I first arrived in Graz last spring, I expected the UNESCO World Heritage old town and the futuristic Kunsthaus to dominate my experience. *Mais non*, this Austrian city had other plans for me. As someone who appreciates craftsmanship in...
There's something profoundly humbling about standing amidst the columns of Ephesus one week and finding yourself beneath the canopy of Mount Apo's rainforest the next. After covering sporting events across continents for two decades, I've developed a certain rhythm to...
When I first landed in Budapest three years ago, I expected the thermal baths and ruin bars to steal my heart. Instead, it was the city's eclectic shopping scene that had me extending my weekend stay to a full week!...
There's something about the way sunlight dances across centuries-old limestone in Maastricht that reminds me of how light plays through a perfect glass of aged Riesling—both revealing layers of history with each shifting shadow. After paragliding over the nearby Belgian...
Having traversed the Arctic's icy expanses with my camera in tow, one might wonder what drew me to the rust-red landscapes of Utah. The answer, dear readers, is quite simple: contrast. The juxtaposition of St. George's terracotta terrain against Zion's...
Having traversed the frozen expanses of Iceland and Norway with my camera in tow, I never imagined finding equally breathtaking landscapes in the American Southwest. Yet here I stand, utterly captivated by Utah's crimson canyons and towering hoodoos—a stark contrast...
Y'all, I've gotta confess something – before my ceramics journey pulled me to the Pacific Northwest for a workshop with a Tacoma-based raku master, I had *no idea* this city was such a hidden gem for budget travelers. Growing up...
After decades of family travel across continents, I've developed quite an appreciation for those peaceful suburban gems that offer respite from bustling city centers. Sandy Springs—nestled just north of Atlanta—is precisely that kind of treasure. With its riverside parks, cultural...
Landing in Barcelona solo last spring was a total *pinch me* moment. After three consecutive seasons of sourcing textiles in Milan, I finally carved out a week to explore this Spanish design mecca on my own terms. As a retail...
The coastal breeze of Annaba whispered tales of Phoenician traders as I stood at the port, mapping my journey inland to Constantine. After three decades helping others resettle across borders, I've developed a sixth sense for transportation networks in challenging...